Gearing up for summer travel? We will help you understand the finer details of business deductions whether you' are in the boardroom or relaxing at the beach house.
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Can You Mix Business with Pleasure When You Travel?
By Gary Sigman, CPA, M.Tax , PFS, AEP
Senior Tax Manager
With summer vacation season almost upon us, people’s thoughts often turn to travel, and we thought it would be a good time to review the rules for deducting the costs of a business trip where you also take a vacation ("mixing business with pleasure"). These costs may be deductible, but are also subject to limitations.
Passive Activity Losses and the Material Participation Tests
By Brett W. Neate, CPA, M.Tax
Partner
In my youth, I was fascinated by all things weird and wonderful. The natural wonders of the world, such as the Grand Canyon or Aurora Borealis, were impressive for their scale and beauty. However, the man-made wonders were impressive not only for their scale and beauty, but also for the fact that they sprung from the minds of men and made real through years of hard work.
Zinner & Co. has held steady to many founding principles. The integrity of the firm is supported by a long-held belief to not only to show community support through fundraising events and company sponsorships, but also from a boots-on-the-ground approach.
It is no surprise that now 78 years after Harry Zinner’s philanthropic vision, the spirit of giving remains a tenet of the firm.
As part of the Ohio Society of CPAs (OSCPA) strategic focus to support firms by helping clients grow and build their business, Zinner & Co. was selected for inclusion in the OSCPA “Advancing the State of Business” video.
The video underscores the shift in the accounting industry, moving from simply tax preparation and compliance services to CPAs working in tandem with business owners as drivers of economic growth and business success. “Today, we must look at our clients from a multi-faceted view; we guide, advise and counsel clients from startup through succession, and create strategies from a financial, managerial and operational standpoint,” said Robin Baum, CPA, managing partner of the firm. Watch the OSCPA video here.
Robin Baum Elected President of Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital Foundation
Beginning her 7th year serving the Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital Foundation and 5th year on the executive committee, Robin Baum, CPA, managing partner, was recently elected president of the 35-member foundation board. The board, whose focus is to develop fundraising opportunities and in-kind contributions to support and enhance quality health care for children in northeast Ohio, has raised over $99.5 million for UH Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital from 1995 to 2015.
Carl Blankschaen Elected Treasurer of Mentor Public Schools Foundation
Carl Blankschaen, CPA, Audit and Assurance Senior, was recently elected Treasurer of the Mentor Public Schools Foundation Board. Carl has been on the Zinner & Co. audit team for four years and prior to earning his MBA and BA from John Carroll University, graduated from Mentor High School.
“The Foundation’s work to help students and teachers in the district is tireless; I’m excited to have the opportunity to give back to my academic alma mater and to the community.”
Sue Krantz and Susan Licate Create Awareness at Epilepsy Association's "Rockin' the Keys for a Cause" Event
Partner Sue Krantz and Zinner’s Communications and Development director, Susan Licate, recently attended the Epilepsy Association’s “Rockin’ the Keys for a Cause” fundraising event.
The event, held at Vosh Nightclub, welcomed 115 guests who participated in a silent auction, raffles, and dueling piano requests. The event raised $24,000 that will directly support agency programs and services throughout the local community.
Krantz also serves the Association as a board member, a position she has held for five years. Licate and her daughter, Vanessa Dunne, were guest speakers, sharing their story of how the Association helped their family and the array of outreach services that benefit businesses and individuals in the community.
Pictured: (Left) Allison Foutz, Epilepsy Association, Susan Licate, Zinner & Co., Sarah Buduson, WEWS TV 5, and Vanessa Dunne, Insivia, gather to support Rockin’ the Keys for a Cause
Zinner & Co. Makes Donation to Cleveland Area Harvest for Hunger
In step with the Cleveland area Harvest for Hunger initiative, Zinner employees collected and donated nearly 100 pounds of canned food and made a financial contribution that will directly benefit those in need. “The generosity of our employees is remarkable. The spirit of giving is year-round and without hesitation; I’m proud of what we do for our community,” said Yvette Yancy, administrative assistant and coordinator of this year’s Harvest for Hunger campaign.
Pictured: (Left) Cleveland Food Bank collector Matthew graciously accepts Zinner’s food and financial contribution for the Harvest for Hunger campaign.
Sue Krantz brings CNAP credential to Northern Ohio
As the exclusive licensed provider in Cuyahoga County, Zinner & Co. recently presented the Certified Nonprofit Accounting Professional (CNAP) course to area professionals working in or with the not-for-profit industry.
The program was made possible by Partner Sue Krantz, who is a member of the Executive Committee of Nonprofit CPAs through The Rainmaker Alliance, a national association management company for accounting firms.
CNAP, the only nationally recognized certification program for nonprofit accounting professionals, earns high accolades from graduates for its comprehensive curriculum and is recognized as the gold standard training for nonprofit financial professionals. (Continue reading)
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As part of the 
Carl Blankschaen, CPA, Audit and Assurance Senior, was recently elected Treasurer of the 
Partner Sue Krantz and Zinner’s Communications and Development director, Susan Licate, recently attended the 
